About

Hi! I’m Anna Pember Merrill— artist, educator, wellness advocate, naturopathic practitioner, wife, and mom of six incredible children.

I’ve been creating art since I was young, and watercolor is my favorite way to capture life’s beautiful, meaningful moments. I graduated from Arizona State University in Education and Art, and I’ve continued learning through community colleges and BYU. I currently teach in the local school district and run Exploring Art, a creative community program I started to help kids and families connect through art.

I’m also a certified naturopathic practitioner, and I believe deeply in the body’s ability to heal itself when given the right tools. I offer lifestyle prescriptions—focused on Connectedness, Resilience, Movement, and Nutrition—to help individuals and families live more energized, fulfilled lives.

In 2016, I illustrated and published my first children’s book, Candy Monster, inspired by my own kids and our family’s approach to food and healing. I later illustrated Raise Your Hand, a book that encourages children to speak up with courage and confidence—messages close to my heart both as a teacher and a mother.

My husband Loren and I met while studying education at ASU. He’s been teaching high school history and government for over 20 years, and together we coach Special Olympics Unified in the White Mountains of Arizona and love serving our community. Three of our children have cerebral palsy, and as a family, we travel, speak, play, work hard and advocate for inclusion, healing, and joy—showing others how to do hard things with heart.

We believe life is meant to be lived fully—and that everyone deserves to feel healthy, empowered, happy, and connected. Through art, wellness, teaching, and advocacy, I’m here to help others live activated lives—one brushstroke, one step, and one story at a time.